Corolla Drum Brake/Spring Tool Question

[Tatsuya]

Hi guys,

http://cgi.ebay.com/Brake-Spring-To...018?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item56419b7ad2

Will this type of brake spring tool be fine for servicing drum brakes on a Corolla? Also, can someone explain the difference between Bendix drum brakes and...non-Bendix? I've worked on disc brakes before but never drum brakes, just trying to find the right tool for the job.

 

[theoldwizard1]

First, I have only worked on American drum brakes.

You need at least 2 different tools to do drum brakes. That type of tool is used to remove the hold down spring retainer. You may also need a return spring tool and a brake adjuster lever (star wheel adjuster). You will also need a couple of different pliers. A set of Vice Grip needle nose and some Channel Locks work well.

I like KD brake tools. You will need

• #2774 - Universal Brake Shoe Retaining Spring Tool
• #298 - Brake Spring Pliers (also used to remove and install return springs)
• #287 - Drum Brake Adjusting Tool

A couple of decent videos that show some of these tools (but he does not use a hold down spring retainer tool)

Replacing Drum Brake Shoes - Part 1
Replacing Drum Brake Shoes - Part 2

 

[00S4Boy]

Hi guys,

http://cgi.ebay.com/Brake-Spring-To...018?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item56419b7ad2

Will this type of brake spring tool be fine for servicing drum brakes on a Corolla? Also, can someone explain the difference between Bendix drum brakes and...non-Bendix? I've worked on disc brakes before but never drum brakes, just trying to find the right tool for the job.

That may or may not work well for corolla drum brakes. The compact car drum brakes sometimes tend to use very small hold down plates and that tool sometimes does not work.

Bendix is just a manufacturer of automotive aftermarket parts.

Usually trucks will use drum brake utilizing an anchor pin at the top above the wheel cylinder that the return springs to the shoes attach to. Import vehicle like to use a return spring that goes from one shoe to the other shoe.

For anchor pin drum brakes they make a tool that makes removal and installation of the return springs a piece of cake.
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/accessories/OEM-Brake-spring-tool?itemIdentifier=390907

For non anchor pin style drum brakes and drum brakes in general needle nose pliers, side cutters and screw drivers are your best bets.

 

[Tatsuya]

I'm looking at my Hayne's manual and it just refers to a tool similar to the one I posted in the link as a brake spring tool, doesn't say anything about different sizes. Apparently I can take care of the rest with a pair of needlenose and a small screwdriver.

 

[Tatsuya]

A couple of decent videos that show some of these tools (but he does not use a hold down spring retainer tool)

Replacing Drum Brake Shoes - Part 1
Replacing Drum Brake Shoes - Part 2

I just recently found out about that dude, I like his videos a lot.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Bendix is just a manufacturer of automotive aftermarket parts.

I believe that Bendix invented (one of) the first self adjusting mechanisms for drum brakes.

 

[00S4Boy]

I believe that Bendix invented (one of) the first self adjusting mechanisms for drum brakes.

Possible i know people used to refer to starters as bendix's as well.

 

[Layspeed]

That tool you listed should work, but there are two different sizes for the hold down spring retainers. The other tools you'll need will be nose vice grips for the Corolla's return springs. You may also need some combination pliers. And when you say Corolla, do you mean a '75 or '04?

 

[Tatsuya]

It's a 1999 Corolla. I'm assuming the smaller of the two sizes for a compact car?

 

[jeffk14]

I've always just used a pair of needle nose pliers to pop those retainer discs off of the middle of the shoe. Grab, push in against the spring and rotate 90 degrees.

 

[J.A.F.E.]

Bendix brakes are a floating shoe design - the brake shoes are anchored at the top to the cylinder only and can pivot to wedge the shoes against the drum when the brakes are applied. Almost all cars since about the 30's with drum brakes use the design.

 

[Gus_Mahn]

Some small Japanese cars use a U-shaped spring on the pins not the 1/4 turn coil spring. Not sure what's on a '99 Corolla, but I've gotten by with just regular pliers in a pinch. I do love the tool he uses in that video. Mine is similar to his on one end and has a pin with a notch to hook onto the spring anchor to slide the springs back on.